Muharram:
1st Month of the Islamic Calendar
Sunni References

The
Tenth of Muharram and AshurahThe Islamic year begins with Muharram ul Haram, the first
month of the Hijri Calendar. While followers of other religions spend their
opening month in worthless merriment, the first month of Islam teaches us lessons
of admonition, good counselling, knowledge of Allah Ta’ala, sacrifice, selflessness,
patience and seeking the pleasure of Allah Ta’ala.

The
tenth day of Muharram (Ashurah) has many distinctive qualities and features.
Allah Ta’ala created the heavens and the earth on this blessed day. On this
day He gave His infinite blessings and bounties to many of His Prophets and
delivered them from the clutches of their enemies.

Allah
Ta’ala created Hazrat Adam (Alaihis-Salam) in this month, pardoned him of his
mistake, and Hazrat Noah’s (Alaihis-Salam) Ark landed successfully on Mount
Judi, and he saved Hazrat Ibrahim (Alaihis-Salam) from fire and rescued Hazrat
Musa (Alaihis-Salam) from Pharaoh.

On
the first of Muharram offer 2 rakats Nafl prayer. In each rakat after Surah
Fateha recite Surah Ikhlas 3 times. After the Salam pray to Allah Ta’ala for
all your needs and desires. From the blessing of this prayer, Allah Ta’ala will
appoint an angel for such a person. The angel will guide him or her to do only
good deeds and prevent them in engaging in sinful acts.

On
the eve of "Ashurah" offer 100 rakats Nafl. In each rakat recite Surah
Ikhlas 3 times after Surah Fateha. After Salam recite first ‘Kalimah’ 100 times.
Allah Ta’ala will forgive all the sins of such a person.

)
on the tenth of Muharram, any time after sunrise and before
sunset, or listens to its recitation from someone else, Allah Ta’ala will certainly
make it an insurance for a years’ life for him, by keeping death away from him.
However, if one is to become the victim of death in that year, they will by
some strange coincidence not remember to recite it.

Nafl
Salat for the Eve of Ashurah
On the eve of Ashurah offer 4 rakats Nafl Salat as follows: In every rakat after
Surah Fateha recite "Ayetul Kursi" once and Surah Ikhlas 3 times.
After completing this Namaz recite Surah Ikhlas 100 times. Allah Ta’ala will
purify such a person of all their sins and grant them endless bounties and blessings
in paradise.

The
Fast of Ashurah
On the 9th and 10th of Muharram, one should fast. If it is not possible to fast
on both days, then every effort should be made to fast on the 10th day of Muharram,
as there is great reward for this fast. (Muslim Shareef).

The
following are some of the desirable acts one should do on the day of Ashurah:
1. To observe fast on this day.
2. To give as much charity as you can afford.
3. To perform Nafl Salat prayers.
4. To recite Surah Ikhlas 1000 times.
5. To visit and be in the company of pious Ulema.
6. To place a hand of affection on an orphan’s head.
7. To give generously to one’s relatives.
8. To put surma in one’s eyes.
9. To take a bath.
10. To cut one’s nails.
11. To visit the sick.
12. To establish friendly ties with one’s enemies.
13. To recite Dua-e-
Ashurah
14. To visit the shrines of Awliyas and the graves of Muslims.

Hazrat
Abdullah bin Masood (Radi Allah Anhu), a Companion of the Holy Prophet Muhammad
(Sall Allahu Alaihi wa Sallam) reports the following saying of the Messenger
of Allah Ta’ala, "Whosoever prepares ample food and drink for his family
on this sacred day and delights in feeding them generously, Allah Ta’ala will
increase His provisions for that year and place much blessings and good therein."

Imam
Hussain (Radi Allah Anhu) and his companions were martyred on the tenth of this
month.

Like
any month in the Islamic Calendar there are in this first Islamic month, many
anniversaries which are celebrated every where in the world.